Diana Githu (28), from Kenya, is pursuing her doctorate in Arid Land Resource Sciences at the University of Arizona.
Diana’s research examines the transferability of the agrivoltaics innovation to the Kenyan context. Agrivoltaics involves simultaneous use of land for both photovoltaic power generation and agriculture. When implemented, this innovation has the potential to reduce food and energy insecurity and increase water conservation among vulnerable rural communities, and ultimately help women, who most often undertake the tasks of water collection, gathering firewood, and cooking.
Diana has over eight years of experience conducting socio-ecological research in rangeland ecosystems. She has worked for the Kenya Forestry Research Institute and for the Rehabilitation of Arid Environments as a field/office coordinator.
In 2012, she founded an NGO called Guzo Kenya, which strives to improve the life of the impoverished in the society, primarily children, through projects related to food security, equitable education, and water hygiene and sanitation.
Diana’s goal is to work in industry, focused on improving sustainable agricultural methods in the developing world.
